Bill > H455

This bill establishes a special commission of 13 members to study vocational-technical schools, including regional vocational technical schools and agricultural schools, with the goal of examining and making recommendations on various aspects of vocational education. The commission will be co-chaired by the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on education, and its members will include legislative leaders, the secretary of education, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, and representatives appointed by the secretary of education from lists nominated by various educational associations, such as the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators and the Massachusetts Teachers Association, ensuring representation from different stakeholder groups. The commission's study will cover topics such as the laws governing vocational education and regional district agreements, student enrollment and admissions, transportation costs, capital improvements and investments, finance structures including tuition, and the affiliation of vocational schools with community colleges. The commission is required to hold its first meeting within 60 days of the bill's enactment and must submit a report with its findings and legislative recommendations to the state legislature within 12 months of that first meeting.